The 3 Keys to Living With Confidence
Throughout our lives, we acquire a trunk full of masks. Masks for our families. Masks for our friends and intimate relationships. Masks for our careers and colleagues. Some may even have a mask for the lady behind the counter in the deli. Whatever the circumstance and to whatever degree of intensity, life has taught us to put on a little show depending on where we are and who we are with at any given moment.
However, carrying around a trunk of masks is a heavy load -- creating confusion, frustration, and isolation as we begin to lose contact with the person underneath. While providing a level of comfort, life behind the mask is exhausting until you finally decide to reconnect with yourself and live with confidence as the wonderful, fulfilled, and imperfectly perfect person you truly already are.
Focusing on the following three areas will help you to recalibrate your internal GPS and live with the unabashed self-assurance most of us haven’t experienced since early childhood.
The 3 Keys to Living With Confidence
Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others have no choice but to believe with you.- Cynthia Kersey
Authenticity
Truth is the shortest and simplest route to confidence. By examining your values, strengths and passions, you can tap into your authentic self. When you present yourself to the world just as you are with all your extraordinary talents and character-building imperfections, confidence is not a contrivance, it is a reality. You no longer have to rehearse every conversation in your head or strategize which persona you have to pull out of the trunk that day.
Living authentically means you have the benefit of waking up each day in alignment with who you are without judgment or fear. The freedom of being your true self results in a level of confidence far greater than anything you could manufacture out of pretense.
Boldness
The freedom that is the natural by-product of authenticity provides you with the capacity to look at yourself in a much broader light. Living each day in truth gives you a perspective on your abilities that goes beyond the limitations that have been imposed upon you by others, and even yourself.
Your skills in storytelling and writing can naturally evolve into being a writer. Your ability to communicate and convey ideas could result in producing a podcast or series of motivational videos. You begin to see your natural abilities with a boldness that gives you the confidence to try new things and be more adventurous. And regardless of whether you succeed or not, you have more than enough confidence to know that you are capable of trying, doing, and being even more.
Clarity
Knowing who you are and discovering the endless capacity within you gives you a clarity not only about yourself, but about how you connect to the world. You are not bound by the interpretations and conclusions others develop about you. You are the author of your own narrative. You present a clear picture of yourself to everyone you meet, defining what is important to you, what motivates you, and how you choose to show up in every aspect of your life.
Clarity gives you confidence because you understand your own character and cannot be caused to waiver in self-doubt in the face of conflict. You are able to stay on course for your own journey, moving past the distractions of everyday life while also being able to reflect and adjust to ensure that you stay in alignment with your values and goals. Whether you follow a set path or stray from it, you remain confident in your decisions because they remain rooted in the clear vision you have of yourself.
Confidence from the inside out
Living with confidence is more than just an inspirational concept. In reality, confidence comes from the acceptance of ourselves, the perspective to see beyond our perceived limitations, and being clear on exactly how we engage with everyone and everything in our lives. Confidence is part of the natural state of being when we live in alignment with our true selves.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.